If you've noticed that there has been a lot of talk about atheism lately, don't chalk it up to your heightened awareness.

As of late, atheism has become a hot topic -- the focus of books on best-seller lists, news articles and water-cooler discussions. The idea floating around -- again -- is that we're in a time when believing in God may come to an end.

Why now? You might say. It could be because it's time again. But most likely, it's a hot topic because our nation has become increasingly polarized regarding matters of faith.

The right to have -- or disregard -- religious beliefs that are not in keeping with fundamentalist Christian ideology has come under serious fire in the past few years. I view this recent list of responses from atheists as a justified response the intolerance those with non-Christian and non-religious views have faced.

To be clear, I consider atheism is a belief system -- the belief there is no God. It's a way of living your life. It's a world view. It's goal-altering and mind-blowing.

To support my claim, consider trying the following:

If you believe in god(s), consider how such beliefs shape your life. Then consider what would change if you suddenly found out there is no God.

If you're an agnostic, consider what would change if you got an answer regarding God's existence.

If you consider yourself an atheist, ask yourself what would change if you suddenly received irrefutable evidence of God's existence.

Granted, some famous atheists disagree with my assessment. In "An Atheist Manifesto," atheist writer and speaker Sam Harris writes, "Atheism is not a philosophy; it is not even a world view. It is simply a refusal to deny the obvious. Unfortunately, we live in a world in which the obvious is overlooked as a matter of principle. (A)theism is a term that should not even exist. Atheism is nothing more than the noises reasonable people make when in the presence of religious dogma."

He has a good point. And perhaps if talking about doubt in God's existence were socially acceptable in faith communities, many wouldn't be in the midst of membership crises.

That said, I don't agree with the recent movement to foist atheism on the populace. The movement is led by Richard Dawkins, arguably the world's most famous atheist; Harris, the most confrontational; Christopher Hitchens; and Daniel Dennett.

Their argument against religion is a fairly old one: Belief in god(s) is "irrational." Atheism is "rational."

If you've been to college, a bar or family get-together, you've heard this argument before. You've probably been on one side of this argument.

I'm not bothered by atheism; what you believe isn't any of my business. My problem is that atheists judge and criticize others' beliefs in a way they find contemptible.

In addition, the argument about religion being "irrational" -- and often very disappointing -- signals an ironic disconnect in logic. That is, these outspoken atheists don't understand that faith in anything -- from God to the Chicago Cubs -- has very little to with rationality.

We believe because something innate and indefinable compels us to do so. Faith is a dance. It's a struggle. It's a rollercoaster ride. Logic enters infrequently, at best.

Golden writes the Courier's faith column. E-mail her at {M3onfaith@karrisgolden.com.